Translation of writing on flower pot

[skillphiliac]

Hey,

I'd need, a translation (if possible) of what is written on this flower pot.

http://img12.imageshack.us/img12/5341/chini.jpg

I can't provide a better image, also, I am not sure about its originality.

Thanks for your help!

[skylee]

It is the beginning of a very famous classical piece 蘭亭集序 (Lanting Ji Xu, Preface to the collection of Lanting) by the most renowned calligraphist 王羲之 (Wang Xizhi) of Jin Dynasty (3rd Century AD). It is in fact very easily recognised. Every time you see 永和九年 (the 9th year of the Yonghe reign), it is probably it.

Some more relevant information (and translation) -> http://www.chinapage.com/lantingsl.html

PS - I guess what is on the bowl is "supposed" to be the beginning of Lanting Ji Xu but many words are missing.

Edited April 19, 2009 at 11:05 PM by skylee
Correct typos as pointed out in #4.

[skillphiliac]

As to be expected... thank you!

[Lu]

I think 集 is ji, not xi.

[skylee]

Lu is right. 集 is ji, not xi. I don't know what I was thinking.

[HashiriKata]

I don't know what I was thinking.

猿も木から落ちる

[skylee]

I am indeed a saru. A drunk saru. haha.